Kuwait: The Qatar handball team opened their campaign at the 22nd Asian Men’s Handball Championship with a convincing 27–15 victory over Oman, in a Group A match of the tournament currently underway in Kuwait and running until January 26.
The championship also serves as a qualifier for the IHF World Championship 2027.
Qatar imposed their control from the opening whistle, delivering a strong performance at both ends of the court and dictating the rhythm of the match through disciplined defense and effective attacking play, before sealing a comprehensive win and an ideal continental start.
Qatar will face South Korea national handball team in their next Group A fixture on Tuesday, in a highly anticipated encounter.
The draw placed Qatar in Group A alongside South Korea and Oman. Group B includes Bahrain, Iraq, China and Jordan, while Group C features Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong and India.
Group D comprises Japan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Australia. The top two teams from each group advance to the main round, which will feature eight teams divided into two groups playing a round-robin format.
The top two teams from each main-round group will qualify for the semifinals, in addition to securing direct qualification for the 2027 World Championship.
Qatar are aiming to retain the Asian title they have won in the last six consecutive editions and to qualify for the World Championship for the 11th time in their history.
Their best-ever finish at the global stage came at Qatar 2015, where they claimed second place. The Qatari team were crowned champions of the 21st edition of the Asian Men’s Handball Championship, held in Bahrain last year, after defeating Japan national handball team 30–24 in the final.
